Popular Local Food Spots

It has been said that the best way to get your finger on the pulse of a nation is through its food.

What better way to do so than to delve deep into the eating places of the common man?

In Singapore, the average Singaporean goes to the hawker centre (or food centre) for his daily lunch, dinner and even his Sunday brunch.

Food sold at hawker centres is inexpensive. You can fill your stomach satisfactorily for less than SGD 5!

Eager to get your fill of the local fare but has no idea where to begin? Start by hitting the list of food places below and tuck into the local delights! Bon appétit!

Changi Village

The big draw of this sleepy place in the east is, of course, the Changi Village Food Centre. Many Singaporeans make their way to this part of the island (some from as far as the opposite end of Singapore) especially to satisfy their cravings for the famous nasi lemak at the food centre. The area is also dotted with small cafes and coffee shops to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Address: Changi
Getting There: Tanah Merah (EW4). Take SBS bus no. 2

Chomp Chomp Food Centre

Popular with residents from around the area, this food centre provides a wide selection of food at affordable prices.

Address: 20 Kensington Park Road Singapore 557269 (Serangoon Garden)
Getting There: SBS (73, 136, 315, 317)

East Coast Lagoon Food Village

Locals flock to this food centre for its mouth-watering seafood. It is considered the place to go for BBQ seafood.

Address: 1220 East Coast Parkway Singapore 468960
Getting There: Bedok (EW5). Take SBS bus no. 401 (only available on weekends and public holidays) from Bedok Interchange. Other days, take SBS bus nos. 196 or 197 and alight along Marine Parade Road (in front of Lagoon View).

Fisherman's Village

Tuck into the local delights or scrumptious seafood while enjoying the sea breeze at Fisherman's Village.

Address: Pasir Ris Road
Getting There: Pasir Ris (EW1). Take SBS bus no. 403 from the interchange.

Geylang

Although not a hawker centre, the entire road has many small eateries tucked away in the odd-numbered lorongs (streets). The food adventure begins at Lorong 1 all the way to Lorong 39. Just remember not to cross over to the even-numbered side as that is where the red-light district operates.

Address: Geylang
Getting There: Kallang (EW10). This station is just next to Geylang Lorong 1.

Gluttons Bay

Open daily from 6pm to 3am, this food centre serves up many of the local delights such as chicken rice, char kway teow, chilli crab and many more.

Address: #01-15 Esplanade Mall
Getting There: City Hall (EW13/NS25)

Holland Village

Holland Village provides a dining experience that is a little different from the usual food spots. It is more laid back in style with a "village" atmosphere, at the same time being more up-market. The area is home to popular food chains as well as a recently renovated food centre.

Address: Along Holland Avenue
Getting There: Buona Vista (EW21). Take SBS bus no. 200.

Joo Chiat

Lined on both sides of the road with pre-war shop houses, this area is filled with small eateries popular with the local residents. One of the must-trys is Fei Fei Wanton Noodle at Xin Hua Coffeeshop (along Joo Chiat Place).

Address: Joo Chiat Place
Getting There: SBS bus no. 33

Katong

Home of the famous Katong laksa, this stretch of road offers enough tantalising gastronomic delights to have you come back for more. You can find anything from the afore-mentioned laksa to minced meat noodle to seafood. If your palate is still not satisfied, head on to nearby Joo Chiat or Siglap to continue the feast.

Address: East Coast Road
Getting There: SBS (10, 12, 14, 32, 40)

Lau Pa Sat

Located in the Central Business District, this place is a hit with the nearby office crowd during the day. After 7pm, Boon Tat Street (just next to Lau Pa Sat) is closed off and converted into an alfresco dining area with tables and chairs laid out, and hawkers setting up stall.

Address: 18 Raffles Quay Singapore 048582
Getting There: Raffles Place (EW14/NS26). Walk towards Robinson Road.

Newton Food Centre

This food centre is best visited after 7pm as most stalls are not opened during the day. Conveniently located near town, it is popular with tourists and locals alike, especially pub crawlers or clubbers in search of sustenance (supper) after a hard night of partying.

Address: 500 Clemenceau Avenue North Singapore 229495
Getting There: Newton (NS21)

Siglap

This area is home to some of the more well-to-do in Singapore. While you won't find a hawker centre here, there are many eateries serving local favourites ranging from Teochew porridge to Indian curry. After a satisfying meal, drop in at any of the nearby cafes for a dessert or a cup of coffee.

Address: Upper East Coast Road
Getting There: SBS (10, 12, 13, 14, 16)